The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-08-05
A Noble Deed.

pioafores and strike the keys.
AS grew up soon made reputa-
tiou by my voice, and Uncle Archibald
was so anxious | should improve that
he sen. me TO Europe TO complete my
education. had been there two years,
working hard and gaining strength in
my art, when the summons came for
me TO return home. My uncle had fail
ed in business and had lost everything.
i found him worn out IN his darkened
room, a shadow Of what he had been.
"Aud you are poor man now,
Uncle Archibaldi"
81 shall be as soon as my house is
sold"
| bent and kissed the forehead of
this noble aud kind old man, who had
been my greatest earthly benefactor,
vowing that his home should never be
sold.
Yes, would commence public life
singer; though, as have said, consti-
stituiioual timid, shrinking from what
ever made me conspicuous, | promptly
decided upon this course of life.
For the first time delighting in my
powers, | hastily sought the leader of
q superior opera troupe and offered my
services.
He was much pleased He knew me
well. having heard me sing several
times at my uncle's house, and he had
repeatedly advised me to sing in pub
lie.
"But you would need more courage,
more confidence 1t would greatly aid
your success, he used to say.
Now, on my application, enthusiast
calIy in earnest and quite forgetful of
myself, must have appeared different,
for he said: $50 you begin to under
stand yourself--to appreciate your pow
ers. That is good. l shall have great
delight in bringing you out"
had few weeks for preparation,
which were, however, sufficient.
"Don't hurt your health by too close
study, that will weaken your voice and
spoil everything said my friend.
"You must take long, brisk walk
daily.
In compliance with his advice, l daily
treaded the public streets with free,
light step. In all my life l had never
felt SO happy aud courageous. l seem
ed upheld on wings.
l was passing rapidly along the
crowded square one morning, when a
hand touched my arm. 1t was that of
one of two beggar children-Italians.
A thrill went through me as | look
cd into the girls soft, dark eyes, and
heard her lisp her petition in softer
Tuscan. felt quickly for my purse,
but had left it behind me.
What could l give this destitute
child of my beloved Italy' Suddenly
thought came to mel would give her
song.
Throwing back my veil, / put the chill
dren before me and began to sing. As
if a magic spell had been dropped up
on them, they all stood silent around
me. knew no one in that crowded
mart and did not fear recognition; and
in the musical Tuscan words ! loved /
csrolled loudly and clearly.
Then ! seized the child's brown wrist
and lifted her thin palm; silver and
even gold dropped into it. caught
glimpse of many wild, delight
cd, eager eyes; then, as they hustled
around the children with shower of
precious coin, so that each joined her
little hands to receive it. ! slipped
aside and ran home with gay heart
That night was to sing. l had
kept my health,an as my maid dressed
me in the shimme ring evening robes,
she declared my beauty to be wonder
fu'
But, as / turne from the mirror, a
suddeniDg sickening realization of the
strange concourse awaiting my coming
filed my heart. The old forgotten
dread returned and overwhelmed me.
j began to tremble. A wild, shaking
fear filled me. | felt for the first time
the Importance of the occasion. These
5000 people awaiting my singing were
not friends oe my uncle's.
As came upon the stage there was
volley of applause; the air rained
flowers. Ladies kissed their hands to
me. / felt strengthened, encouraged.
! wondered what it could mean until
"Sing the ditty you sang this morn.
ing for the beggars! they cried,
My hearts blood filled my cheeks. l
trembled. For moment stood fall
tering like shy child. Then, as they
alphabetically hushed, awaiting the
words of my song, softly syllabled
the first strain, and caroled to the end
the. simple Tuscan ditty.
All, how pleased they were! how
kind! how warm my heart! l feared
no longer. could have sung for them
all night When l retired the old
manager, my friend, emhIaced me.
at is all right, my child They know
you-they love your
l flew home to my uncle. l knelt
down by his pillow and kissed his
cheek. He looked at my dress, my
loose hair full of flowers, my burning
cheeks and dancing eyes.
"Gabriellel" he cried, "you have been
in opera'"
And then l confessed and told my
glad tidIngs.
Alb success is sweet. | had been
favored--my feet, so timid, were set in
a fowery path. The way has ever
been bright and fair. | love my voca-
tion.
But when the song is done and the
lights are quencbed, ! speed away as
gayly TO the bright home / have secur-
ed and made the resting place of a fond
old heart / have filed it with all the
luxuries which money will buy, and
many friends throng it. But, though
triumphs crowd around me, none will
ever, think, be as sweet as my first
success.